Careers at BCCA

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has long been an advocate of advancing the skilled trades in the construction industry, and working to reduce barriers for equity-seeking groups. Recent studies have identified particular challenges in regard to the retention of women in the trades, and the need for employers and project owners to champion the equitable treatment of all workers. A study of the construction industry has found that many construction employers are operating without the knowledge, skills or resources they need to effectively manage harassment, hazing, and bullying situations on the job site.

In today’s construction industry, governments are increasingly setting workforce diversity goals as part of the construction tendering process. The industry must be supported in successfully managing this increasingly diverse workforce: reducing the stress and distraction caused by harassment, hazing, and bullying on the job site is shown to have a direct benefit to employee retention, safety, and productivity outcomes.

BCCA is leading a provincial initiative to address this need and support BC construction companies as they strive to create and maintain safe and acceptable working environments for all workers. The Construction Workforce Equity Project, co-funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, is aimed at supporting BC construction employers by providing policy templates, training and expert resources to advance their practice in building and maintaining equitable, welcoming and inclusive worksites for all employees.

Our project’s Equity Advisors will serve as expert coaches for BC construction employers as they strive to navigate escalating situations on the job site that may arise from a lack of clearly defined equity or inclusion policies or the ability to hold workers accountable for the impact of their actions. The goal will be to assist the employer in resolving the situation fairly, quickly, and productively for all parties, and in the process improve awareness in the workforce as well as the employer’s ability to confidently communicate expectations and manage such situations independently in future.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Equity Advisor to serve on a part-time, contract basis as a confidential resource for consultation with management (including site superintendents and foremen) and human resources representatives of construction companies in BC. The Equity Advisor will be a key resource toward achieving the objective of building and maintaining equitable, safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplaces for all workers in the construction industry. The position will operate under the auspices of BC Construction Association in collaboration with the BC Construction Safety Alliance and the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust and will serve the Vancouver Island area.

Position Responsibilities

Offer confidential consultation to construction company leaders, managers, foremen and site supervisors on policy and best practices as developed for the CWEP related to maintaining equitable, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environments.

Be available on an as-needed basis for consultation by phone, email, or in person.

Stay current on best practices related to addressing situations involving reports or complaints of discrimination, harassment, bullying, hazing or hostile work environments on the construction site

Work independently as part of a network of project partners and collaborators.

Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion, organizational psychology, mediation, and facilitation or related training.

Certification in Conflict Resolution, Conflict Coaching, Counselling or Executive Coaching or equivalent combination of education, training and working experience.

Minimum of 5 years related experience in providing consultation on issues of workplace respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including applying principles and practices as established in relevant workplace policies.

Understanding of the unique work dynamics in the construction industry and of construction crews and construction job-sites.

Coaching/mentoring, conflict resolution, relationship and team building skills, and demonstrated ability to influence/coach individuals or teams to enhance workplace relationships and team effectiveness.

This project involves a shared commitment to equity and inclusion in the BC construction sector. Consistent with these principles and goals, the Project looks to advance the interests of underrepresented members of the workforce, particularly women, as well as Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and members of gender and sexually diverse groups. Thus, candidates that belong to under-represented groups are particularly welcome to apply.